It is learned the crew of Utkal express train was not informed about maintenance work under process on the track.

The strict action is looked like sending signal to top officials that there will be zero tolerance henceforth towards accidents.

Apart from the top brass sent on leave, four more officers have been suspended including a senior divisional engineer, Delhi division. A Chief track engineer has been transferred too.

A criminal complaint against unknown people has also been lodged for deaths caused by negligence under IPC section 304A.

“This is the first time in recent history that a member who is a secretary-level officer has been punished and sent on leave. The action reflects government’s zero tolerance against accidents. In the past, actions were taken only against junior level officers,” said a railway official.

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Paul Linus - Paul Linus is an eminent online journalist who has been writing news, features and editorials on different websites from across the world for about a decade. He can be contacted at knowledgeherald@gmail.com